Castleford Tigers follow Hull KR blueprint as Craig Lingard aims to mirror rivals' progress

Rovers finished the Covid-disrupted 2020 campaign with the wooden spoon and only three wins to their name but it was an invaluable experience for the likes of Elliot Minchella, Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten.

After adding Ryan Hall to their leadership group, the Robins beat Daryl Powell's Castleford twice on their way to the play-off semi-finals in 2021.

KR took a step backwards during an injury-hit 2022 season but have hit new heights under Willie Peters, with the club on course for consecutive top-four finishes after reaching last year's Challenge Cup final.

The Tigers have gone in the opposite direction in recent times, to the point where they head into Thursday's game against the Robins as clear underdogs.

As he rebuilds Castleford, Lingard views Hull KR as an example of what can be achieved with the right approach.

"We're two or three years away from where we want to be, hopefully mirroring Hull KR," he said.

"They put the building blocks in place with a lot of young players. Some of them were successful, some weren't, but then they brought in more seasoned, experienced players around them.

"Then you look at the marquee players that they're now bringing in and the stuff they're doing off the field with the game day experience.

"The fans are flocking there week in, week out so I think it's a real good blueprint for any club that want to grow their success on and off the field. It's a real good club to look at."

Lingard inherited a side that flirted with relegation in 2023 and quickly set about rejuvenating an ageing squad.

Although Castleford sit 10th in Super League, there were signs of progress in the first half of the campaign.

Much like Hull KR of the recent past, the Tigers have blooded a host of youngsters in the process and are committed to developing them.

"The players we've re-signed will be significantly better next season for what they're doing this season," said Lingard.

"The question has been raised about re-signing players that can't get into a team that are third bottom of the table but we believe they'll be good enough next year.

"Hopefully we can bring in some quality around them. It's difficult at the minute but it's something we're working on.

"These inexperienced players are going to be getting 20 to 25 Super League games this season and will be significantly better next season.

"If we get six or eight people that have done that, that's brilliant. They'll be in a lot better position at the start of next season than they were at the start of this season."

Thirteen points separate Castleford and KR in the table ahead of the first meeting between the clubs this season.

The Robins have settled into third place in recent weeks and are keeping pace with Super League heavyweights St Helens and Wigan Warriors.

Regarded as a soft touch not so long ago, Rovers have a steely edge under Peters.

"They're a very good team," said Lingard.

"What they've done over the last two or three seasons has been exceptional. They're a very, very gritty, dogged determined side.

"There have been games this season where Hull KR have been put under the pump and a lot of other teams would have potentially folded, even last week against Huddersfield.

"They're a team that can go through periods in a game where they might not be playing particularly well but they come through the other side better.

"We've talked about our model being mirrored on what Hull KR have done. That means mirroring them on the field as well by coming through those periods.

"We know we're going to have to be on our game to have a chance of beating Hull KR."

After opening up a six-point advantage over seventh place, Rovers are looking up the table rather than down.

A top-two finish would secure a semi-final at Craven Park, where the Robins have a formidable record.

Although Wigan and Saints remain the teams to beat in Lingard's view, he feels KR deserve to be part of the conversation.

"I think they are genuine title contenders with the players they've got and what they've done over the last couple of years," he said. "They've had some big-game experience as well.

"I think they are contenders but I don't see anybody beating Wigan or Saints at the minute.

"Warrington are pushing themselves into those big games as well so you've got them three and Catalans.

"Hull KR are certainly pushing with those other four teams. On their day, they can beat anybody."